Exodus 32:25-29

Exodus 32:25-29

[25] And when Moses  saw  that the people  were naked;  (for Aaron  had made them naked  unto their shame  among their enemies:)  [26] Then Moses  stood  in the gate  of the camp,  and said,  Who is on the LORD'S  side? let him come unto me. And all the sons  of Levi  gathered  [27] And he said  the LORD  God  of Israel,  Put  every man  his sword  by his side,  and go  in and out  from gate  throughout the camp,  and slay  every man  his brother,  and every man  his companion,  and every man  his neighbour.  [28] And the children  of Levi  did  according to the word  of Moses:  and there fell  of the people  that day  about three  thousand  men.  [29] For Moses  had said,  Consecrate yourselves  to day  to the LORD,  even  every man  upon his son,  and upon his brother;  that he may bestow  upon you a blessing  this day. 

What does Exodus 32:25-29 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The Levites were Moses" closest kinsmen. Perhaps it was for this reason, as well as their loyalty to the Lord, that they sided with Moses. Their decision and obedience ( Exodus 32:28) demonstrated their faith in God. They chose to go the way of His appointed leader, Moses, instead of following their rebellious brethren.
God"s punishment of the rebels was severe ( Exodus 32:27) because of the seriousness of their offense. It was also merciful; only3 ,000 of the600 ,000 men died ( Exodus 32:28).
The Levites" blessing was God"s choice of their tribe as the priestly tribe in Israel ( Numbers 3:12-13). The nation as a whole forfeited its right to be a kingdom of priests ( Exodus 19:6) by its rebellion here.
"The idiom "fill the hands" [1] means "institute to a priestly office," "install," "inaugurate," and the like." [2]